Do you have an Emergency Food Program?
DSHS doesn’t have an Emergency Food Program; however, the Basic Food program can provide benefits quickly, within seven days, when you apply, complete an interview and meet qualifications for expedited services.
Can you replace food lost in a disaster?
- If you get Basic Food and have a household disaster or misfortune, up to one month’s worth of food benefits can be replaced. You must report the disaster within 10 days of occurrence. A household disaster could be a fire, flood or extended power outage, including a Public Safety Power Shutoff for wildfire prevention.
- The USDA advises: “Your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to four hours during a power outage. After four hours without power, discard refrigerated perishable food. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers must be thrown out.”
What is the Additional Requirements for Emergency Needs program?
AREN is an emergency cash benefit for shelter/housing and utility-related expenses available to families and pregnant women receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or State Family Assistance. The maximum payment is $750 within a 12-month period and is paid directly to landlord or utility companies.
What is Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA)?
DCA is an emergency cash benefit program available to families who meet eligibility criteria for TANF and SFA but are not receiving TANF/SFA and don’t need ongoing monthly cash assistance. The maximum payment is up to $1,250 once in a 12-month period to meet specific needs like housing, utilities, transportation and childcare.
What is the Consolidated Emergency Assistance program?
CEAP is a cash program available to families or pregnant women who face an emergency and don’t have the money to meet specific basic needs. To be eligible for CEAP, you must be ineligible for any other cash assistance programs and is only offered once in a 12-month period.
What is the Disaster Cash Assistance Program?
DCAP is a cash program activated due to natural disasters or other specified state of emergency declared by the governor. It is available to families or individuals without children who face an emergency and don’t have the money to meet their basic needs. This program is available only once within a 12-month period unless waived by the governor.
How to apply for emergency cash programs:
1. Submit an application:
- In person at your local Community Services Office.
- Online at washingtonconnection.org.
- By fax at 888-338-7410.
- By mail at DSHS, P.O. Box 11699, Tacoma, WA 98411.
- By phone at 877-501-2233
2. Complete an interview in person or by phone at 877-501-2233 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday – Friday.
3. If you meet financial eligibility, you will be referred to a worker to discuss WorkFirst participation.
Homelessness-
Click here for Housing Resources | DSHS (wa.gov)
Domestic Violence
- To find services and assistance for a survivor of domestic violence, reach out to a local domestic violence program. DSHS maintains a directory of DV programs, including culturally and linguistically specific providers and programs operated by tribes: Domestic Violence Programs | Washington Information and Referral (domesticviolenceinforeferral.org).
- Read more about what will happen when you call a program: Get Help | Washington Information and Referral (domesticviolenceinforeferral.org)
Find certified domestic violence intervention treatment services and search for a provider by name, city or county: Domestic Violence Intervention Treatment | DSHS (wa.gov)
- People who receive TANF/WorkFirst can ask their caseworker about options for meeting with a domestic violence victim advocate.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-SAFE (Voice)
800-787-3224 (TTY)
www.thehotline.org
For more information about any of the programs that DSHS offers, please call 877-501-2233 or visit your local Community Services Office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.